Definition
The end of a magnet from which the magnetic lines of flux are considered to enter. By convention, it is the pole that, when a magnet is freely suspended, points toward the Earth's geographic south. The south pole of one magnet is attracted to the north pole of another magnet and repelled by another south pole.
Plain English
One of the two ends of a magnet. It is the opposite end to the north pole. Two south poles push each other away, but a south pole and a north pole pull toward each other.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of magnetic compasses, compass magnets, and how aircraft heading is shown using the Earth's magnetic field.
Derivation
Called the 'south' pole because, in a freely suspended magnet, this end points toward the Earth's geographic south. The naming is based on direction, not on any property of the magnet itself.
Why Pilots Care
Magnetism is the operating principle behind the compass, the magnetos that fire the engine's spark plugs, and many cockpit instruments. Knowing which pole is which helps in understanding how these systems are wired and how they behave.
Grounding Statement
Picture a small bar magnet free to turn: one end is the north pole, the other end is the south pole, and the two ends react differently to other magnets.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse the south pole of a magnet with the geographic South Pole on a globe. Here, it means one end of a magnet and how that end behaves around other magnetic poles.
Example Sentence 1
The south pole of the rotating magnet in the magneto passes the coil and induces a voltage in the primary winding.
Example Sentence 2
A bar magnet's south pole repels the south pole of another magnet placed nearby.